Attempted Rape: UK police drop charges against Man Utd forward, Greenwood

Image: Yorkshire Live

All the charges against Manchester United forward, Mason Greenwood has been dropped by the UK police. The charges border on attempted rape, assault, and controlling and coercive behaviour.

Recall that the embattled 21-year-old player was first arrested in January 2022 over the allegations following disturbing images and videos posted online by a certain woman. He was also re-arrested in October for breaching bail conditions.

Greater Manchester Police, later charged him, and a provisional trial date was set for November 2023.

He had faced one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour, and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, all against the same complainant.

However, in a turn of events on Thursday, the Crown Prosecution Service announced that they had dropped all charges against the Manchester United forward. The reason they gave for dropping the charges was that a key witness withdrew their involvement.

A CPS spokesperson said: "We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review.

"In this case, a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case.

"We have explained our decision to all parties.

"We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police, and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met."

Greater Manchester Police said it was 'only fair' to announce publicly that Greenwood would no longer face criminal proceedings.

Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP's Head of Public Protection, said: "Given the significant media coverage of this case, it is only fair that we share the news that the 21-year-old man, who had been arrested and charged in connection with an investigation opened in January 2022, no longer faces criminal proceedings in relation to this.

"The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly.

"Despite the media and public's interest in this case, we have decided not to comment on it in any further detail.

"I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate GMP's commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them.

"An ever increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training, and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.

"If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don't let this case put you off asking for help."

Image: The Guardian Nigeria

Greenwood last played for Manchester United over a year ago, in January 2022, when the Red Devils beat West Ham 1-0.

He was arrested at the end of that month after the emergence of social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence.

Manchester United suspended Greenwood following the allegations, while he was also removed from FIFA 22 and Football Manager, and Nike terminated his sponsorship deal.

Greenwood has made 129 appearances in total for United, scoring 35 goals, and has won one cap for England.

Source: torizone.com

#Mason Greenwood 

#Manchester United